Yahoo News Pancake day races in London
Was Jesus big on crepes?
With Shrove Tuesday next week, on the 28, Londoners are set to celebrate the day before Lent with piles of pancakes, oodles of lemon and sugar, and of course, ye olde tradition of running with a frying pan. It must be in a Bible verse somewhere.
Below are the best races happening across the capital, which all take place on Tuesday February 28. If you’re taking part, good luck – here’s hoping you don’t get battered.
Leadenhall Market Pancake Race
We especially like this one as its free to enter and open to anyone, though you’re best to sign up in advance. Things kick off outside The Lamb Tavern and competitors must flip their way along the 20m course, which runs through the 14th century market to Central Avenue. Winners will get a £75 Lambs Tavern lunch or supper tab, while runners up get a bottle of Carto Calli Prosecco Superiore. To register, email lambtavernevents@youngs.co.uk.
Info: Midday, Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LT, cityoflondon.gov.uk
The Great Spitalfields Pancake Race
This long-standing event returns for another year. Teams of four compete in a dash along Dray Walk, which is all in aid of the London Air Ambulance. Besides prizes for winners and runners-up, there’ll be plaudits for the best dressed team and best behaved team too.
Info: 12.15pm, Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QR, trumanbrewery.com
Pancake Race
The rather grandly named City Livery Company of Poulters put on quite a show, with everyone dressed up in either formal regalia or fancy dress. Teams of four compete for the coveted commemorative frying pan, and all money raised goes to the Lord Mayor’s Charity. An entertaining one to watch.
Info: Midday, Guildhall Yard, EC2V 7HH, poulters.org.uk
Parliamentary Pancake Race
The grandest race in town or just the one with the most tossers? Your call. MPs, Lords and the press compete in this long-standing race outside the Houses of Parliament, which helps support charity Rehab. It gets busy as it’s a laugh to watch, especially because of the strictly imposed rules, which include the likes of ‘gentlemanly and gentlewomanly behaviour will be strictly observed at all times’. Not like in Parliament, then.
Info: 10am, Victoria Tower Gardens, SW1P 3JA, rehab.ie
The Scoop’s Flipping Marvellous Pancake Race
Teams of three can sign up to enter this race, so long as they can raise the £250 entrance fee, which goes to support the Young Theatre Makers charity. It’s always good fun and, being right by London Bridge, is one of the most beautiful spots to prove you’re a master flipper.
Info: 12.30pm, The Scoop, SE1 2DB, londonbubble.org.uk
Better Bankside Pancake Day Race
Teams of four only need put forth £25 to enter this one, with all profits going to charity Paintings in Hospitals. Winners will get a round of pancakes from Where the Pancakes Are, a gift from choice from Kit and Ace and goodies from Borough Market. Email info@betterbankside.co.uk to get involved.
Info: 12.30pm, Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL, betterbankside.co.uk
Flippin' Good Fun Pancake Race
Not for amateurs, this one: it’s actually a two stage process for those wanting to be involved. Firstly, there’ll be a practice session on Saturday February 25, midday at Greenwich Market. Those who cut the mustard will be invited back for the main event on Shrove Tuesday, where there’ll be a few different races, including some for both individuals and teams. It’s all to raise money for the Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice.
Info: Midday, Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ, greenwichmarketlondon.com
Flat Iron Square’s Three Legged Pancake Race
Races throughout the day for this one, and you’ll need to bring your own pan to compete. Book at info@wherethepancakesare.com, then meet at the Flat Iron Square Bar. Besides points for getting around the course the as speedily as possible, competitors can pick up points for tossing high and fast. It’s not as dirty as it sounds, apparently.
Info: 8am, 12.30pm and 6pm, Flat Iron Square, 68 Union Street, SE1 1TD, wherethepancakesare.com
